Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Reader-supported journalism that doesn’t just report problems, it helps solve them.
support today
News

Art Refuge is creating a safe space for refugees on Napier Barracks' doorstep

The charity supports the mental health and wellbeing of people displaced due to conflict, persecution and poverty and is hoping to turn Folkestone into a safe refuge for refugees

Folkestone – the site of the controversial Napier Barracks – is on the frontline. In this area boats are arriving every day carrying desperate people taking desperate lengths to find safety and refuge, provoking a mixed response from the locals. 

While some offer support, others have felt resentful of their presence, leading to friction.

Aida-2

In an attempt to help bridge the gap, Art Refuge supports the mental health and wellbeing of people displaced due to conflict, persecution and poverty.

They have held activities in the Calais Jungle camp, but this year turned their attention to this side of the Channel. Popping up across the town are a number of curious-looking creatures. They’re easy to miss and, though small, carry a big message. 

Asylum Seekers Inside Napier Barracks
Young male asylum seekers hanging out inside Napier Barracks on the 3rd of June 2021, Folkestone, United Kingdom. Despite todays high court ruling that the Home Offices detention of Asylum seekers in Napier Barracks was unlawful, over 250 asylum seekers are still being kept in unsuitable, accommodation, they are experiencing mental health issues as well as being vulnerable to health conditions including COVID-19. (photo by Andrew Aitchison / In pictures via Getty Images)

Many newly arrived men are taken to Napier Barracks, being held in conditions ruled as unlawful back in June. Collaborating with the Kent Refugee Action Network, Art Refuge have gone in to deliver workshops, which has included making these models  – a project curated by artist Aida Silvestri. 

Local people have been invited to host the mini-sculptures, finding a safe and welcoming home that the migrants themselves are not able to have. 

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Poster-image-23

One of the participants, Amani, said: “It was such a great experience, we learned many new skills and I hope to do it again. I love the skill which showed us how to take pictures, learning new poses.” 

Hundreds of Small Tails is at various locations in Folkestone until October 28

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

READER-SUPPORTED SINCE 1991

Reader-supported journalism that doesn’t just report problems, it helps solve them.

Recommended for you

View all
2,600 forgotten prisoners left to rot indefinitely under 'inhumane' sentences outlawed 12 years ago
Criminal justice

2,600 forgotten prisoners left to rot indefinitely under 'inhumane' sentences outlawed 12 years ago

How Arsenal is empowering young disabled people through football: 'It's one of the best things you can do'
Jack at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Image: Arsenal in the Community
Football

How Arsenal is empowering young disabled people through football: 'It's one of the best things you can do'

A false claim about homeless veterans and asylum seekers sparked outrage. Here's the reality
homeless veterans to get support at Spring Statement
Asylum protests

A false claim about homeless veterans and asylum seekers sparked outrage. Here's the reality

Sick gran stuck in bed bug-infested flat nine months after GP ordered her to be moved
Bed bugs

Sick gran stuck in bed bug-infested flat nine months after GP ordered her to be moved

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know

Support our vendors with a subscription

For each subscription to the magazine, we’ll provide a vendor with a reusable water bottle, making it easier for them to access cold water on hot days.